Chail : Honeymooner's Paradise

Chail was built as the summer capital of the erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala in Punjab. It has an interesting story behind it. In 1891, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh incurred the wrath of the British and was banned an entry to the summer capital of Shimla. This enraged the Maharaja and he vowed to build a better summer capital in the vicinity of Shimla for himself. And indeed! Chail, a little village close to Shimla, was a slice of heaven. It was perfect surrounded by magnificent deodar forests and also in close vicinity of Shimla. Moreover the hill of Chail at 2226 meters was somewhat higher than British-controlled Shimla, this definitely satisfied the ego of the King and he started developing Chail according to his needs. Chail is built on three hills. The palace is on Rajgarh Hill, the Residency Snow View, once occupied by the British, is on Pandhewa Hill and the town of Chail is situated on the third hill Sadh Tiba. This small village also boasts of the world's highest Cricket ground built by the Maharaja himself who was great patron of the game.

Nature is at her exuberant best in Chail. The majestic snow capped Shivalik peaks, the beautiful orchards and sylvan pine valleys surrounded by Deodar forests and crisp air… Chail surely casts a spell. The River Sutlej which takes twists and turns and the valley beneath offers a stupendous view form the hills of Chail. Chail is enchanting and the views are mesmerizing.

Chail is a small hamlet where the nature has showered with all its beauties, where time stands still and romance is in air. Truly a paradise for all.

Location: Nearly 45kms from Shimla, this small town is cushioned between the Shivalik hills and is hardly seven to eight hours distance from the national capital of Delhi. The virgin mountainous heaven is truly a honeymooner's paradise.

Languages Spoken: Hindi, Himachali, Garhawali

Long Distance Code: +91-1792

Importance: Honeymooner's paradise

Best Time To Visit: March To November & December to Februay to enjoy the winter sports.

Chail Attractions:

Mostly Chail should be enjoyed for its natural beauty with its beautiful scented forests and the scenic beauty of the valleys of pine forests. Chail receives snowfall in winters and the snow gives way to marvellous flowers those blossom on the trees and the whole valley changes its colour.

One of the few important sites that need special visits is the Palace of the Maharaja. Built in 1891 on the hills of Rajgarh, it was devastated in fire and was rebuilt in 1951. Today it has been converted in to a heritage hotel property, but still holds the charm of the bygone era.

The Sidh Baba Ka Mandir was supposed to be the actual site of the palace that was built in 1891. But the legend goes that after the work of building the palace on the site was initiated, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh dreamt of a saint who said it used to be his place for meditation. Thus the Maharaja stopped the work of palace over here and instead built a temple dedicated to the saint and named it Sidh Baba ka Mandir.

Chail boasts of world's highest cricket ground. The Maharaja was a great admirer and patron of Cricket. Therefore he developed the ground with all the amenities. The highlight of this place is not only the altitude that it is placed on but the magnificent view that it commands. The Maharaja made it a point to have all that Shimla did not have to score over the British.

Chail Hotels:

CAMP JUNGLE LIVE INN

Total Rooms : 12

Star Category : 0

Jungle Livinn Camps and Retreat is a splendid resort in the picturesque valley of Chail. The resort acts as an ideal gateway to the nature’s best, for the tortured city souls. It offers majestic views of the verdant valley and elevated mountains. Moreover, Jungle Livinn has all the facilities to make any stay absolutely comfortable.

HOTEL HARMONY

Total Rooms : 22

Star Category : 2

Harmony Hotel was launched in May, 2008. The brand new hotel building has the furniture and furnishings specially selected keeping in view the current taste of the guests, gives it a fresh look. In short span of its operations, the Hotel had started getting recognition as one of the most popular hotels in the area. The Hotel has 22 spacious rooms with three types of rooms starting with the highest being Super Deluxe, followed by Deluxe and Executive. The facilities include almost all the basic amenities that a guest expects. The feedback register has recorded great interest by the guests to return to the Harmony Hotel on all their future visits to Manali. The guests included from all over India as also visiting Indian guests from overseas. Therefore, the guest base is increasing every day making the hotel one of the most sought after hotels in Manali. Harmony Hotel is also now well known among the travel agents all over India who have evinced their keen interest to sign long term agreements with us for stay of their guests. The Reservation of rooms can be done on phone, fax or online from the website of the Hotel. TheHarmony Hotel offers club membership to all its guests on their first visit to avail special discounts on the future visits by them and their relatives and friends.

TOSHALI ROYAL VIEW

Total Rooms : 50

Star Category : 3

Toshali Royal View Resort is situated 24 km from Shimla on the Kufri-Chail road, Toshali Royal Resort stands majestically in the center of the Golden Triangle of Shimla, Chail & Kufri. It is complete with all modern amenities which makes this place a favorite among the tourists.

RASHI RESORT

Total Rooms : 13

Star Category : 0

Rashi Resorts nestled in the thick Himalayan pine forests of Chail in Himachal Pradesh, situated at a height 7054 ft. ( equivalent to Shimla`s ) beckons you to a unique experience of God`s beautiful creation of Nature untampered by man.The imposing mountains, the picturesque flower decked valleys, the deep and dark woods, the cool crisp air, the tangy smell of pine, the misty mornings, the golden Sunset and snowfall in the winter is sure to set your heart beating with Joy - the sheer magic of nature is sure to gladden your heart.

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Dalhousie : The Vale of Milk and Honey

The gateway to the Chamba Valley, this colonial town was established in 1854 by the British Governor General Lord Dalhousie. Located on the five hills namely, Kathlog, Portreyn, Moti Tibba, Bakrota and Balun, Dalhousie has retained much of the British Raj Style. The Dhauldhar mountain ranges in the vicinity with the river Ravi flowing down, the pine covered slopes, with intersecting roads, the houses with colonial architecture, and the serene calmness; all with its own distinctive flavour, Dalhousie is one of the most picture perfect hill stations of India.

Dalhousie offers a panoramic view, from certain places one can come across the stupendous view of the confluence of the three Rivers; Ravi, Chenab and Beas. This is the place that slowly joins in the Kashmir valley. No wonder that Lord Dalhousie chose this place looking for peace and serenity after a war. His love for the place went to the extent that he leased it from the King of Chamba, and although he left soon enough, the place which had acquired his name stayed back for years to come and became one of the most beautiful and famous hill stations of India.

Location: Covering the area of 14 sq kms and situated on five hills, stands the hills station of Dalhousie. It is located on the Dhauldhar range of Himalayas and is around 210 kms from the capital of the state Shimla.

Languages Spoken: Hindi and English

Long Distance Code: +91-1899

Area: 13 sqkm

Best Time To Visit: April To November & December to Februay to enjoy the winter sports.

Dalhousie Attractions

Like any other hill stations of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie, too, is abundant in natural beauty and that is the prime attraction of this place. The place patronized by the British Governor General Lord Dalhousie, has very less options other than being with nature. There is Jandhri Ghat, an elegant residence of the rulers of the region before Lord Dalhousie leased out the place from them. Nestled amidst the forests, the house is surrounded with mild fragrance of the pine trees and naughty streamlets flowing nearby. A beautiful site, worth a visit, with a display of many trophies and other articles owned by the rulers.

The Subhash Baoli is the landmark of Dalhousie. It is believed that the great freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose spent a lot of time at this place in 1937, meditating and reorganizing his thoughts. Although at an altituded of 2085 meters with breath taking views around it is definitely difficult for a common man to meditate here!

Dalhousie is full of little springs that one comes across at every nook and corner in Dalhousie. But the Satdhara is a different site. At an altitude of 2036 meters there are seven brooks rush down with the treasure of mica and other medicinal ingredients due to which they carry along with therapeutic values. The Bakrota Hills take the cake of the view of the surrounding hills and the snow clad peaks. This place is bit far from the heart of the city but definitely rewarding.

Panjpulla has a monument built in the memory of a great martyr Ajit Singh who was the uncle of the legendary Bhagat Singh. Hardly two kms from the centre of the city this memorial is must a visit. The Diankunt is famous for its crystal view of the three rivers which flow through the state and go down towards Punjab which are the Beas, Ravi and the Chenab.

Dalhousie Hotels

ALPS HOLIDAY RESORT

Total Rooms : 19

Star Category : 2

Far from the maddening crowd, Alps Resort is located amidst peace and serenity.Surrounded by pine trees, the resort has a spectacular view of the valley.Sprawling lawns, splendid views, wooded walks, every evening bon-fire & bar-be-que, indoor & outdoor games and above all gracious hospitality are amongst a few facilities that we offer.

DALHOUSIE HEIGHTS

Total Rooms : 31

Star Category : 0

Dalhousie is a quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This hill station spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the Ravi river. The picturesque town is interspersed with the colonial-era buildings, low roofed stalls and hotels. The pine-covered slopes around it are intersected with paths and treks, which are ideal for short undemanding walks.

The gateway to the Chamba Valley, this colonial town was established in 1854 by the British Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, covering an area of 14 sq.km and surrounded by alpine vegetation. Dalhousie has charming architecture and panoramic views of both plains and the white capped views of the mountainous ranges.

GRAND VIEW HOTEL

Total Rooms : 30

Star Category : 2

Beautifully situated with various type of schemes for the renowned guests athroughout the year.Complimentary access tothe Movie Club with select choice of movies, late check out facility,10 videogames free at the gaming parlor in the Hotel on our package, 2 km level forest walk with hotel guide and light beverages.

MONAL HOTEL

Total Rooms : 16

Star Category : 0

Situated in the heart of Dalhousie, Monal offers a clean and hygienic environment. Rooms and suites are designed to cradle you in luxury with an open view of the splendid deodar forest and the virgin pine mountains and the privacy of your very own balcony will give you a feeling that you are in the middle of everything, yet away from it all. Our professional staff revels in matching your interests. You will feel the warmth and excellent services instantaneously.With its private balconies and full valley view, Hotel Monal offers the best scenic view in entire Dalhousie.

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Darjeeling : The Queen of Hill Stations

A mid 19th century creation of the Raj, Darjeeling is the most popular and perhaps the most spectacular hill resort of India. Located on the footsteps of the Himalayas and perched on the roof of the world, it is surrounded by snow capped mountains and dense forests. Rich in flora and fauna surrounding the countryside Darjeeling lives in the shadow of the majestic Kanchenjunga. The small town is a maze of steps and terraces and a treat for nature lovers. Over 4,000 species of flowers, 600 species of birds and many animals and reptiles are found in Darjeeling. Ruled by the kings of Sikkim, Darjeeling was Dorje Ling, meaning Place of Thunderbolt in the local language, before being discovered by two British Officers. The place then full of forests was appreciated by the two British officers as a place of strategic importance bordering the three neighboring countries. The king of Sikkim was pressurized to give the place on rent to the British who began rapid development of the small village turning it into a beautiful hill resort. Darjeeling conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendor, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas.Reaching Darjeeling from Kolkata was a big effort which resulted in construction of the highest railway line in India. The Toy Train, a miniature railway which runs till date was started in 1881. A ride in the toy train is a joy ride with train gaining the maximum speed of 10 km per hour with giving ample time to appreciate the nature's glory around on the way.

This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The visitors to Darjeeling are welcomed by the cool climate, variation of greenery of dense pine forests, mountain meadows and large tea estates. To top them all are the smiling people showing the diversity of cultures present in this small place. There are Bengalis, the Gorkhas from Nepal, the Sikkimese, the Lepchas and the Bhutias and the great mountaineering Sherpas. Mountaineering and trekking activities are in full swing during the year from Darjeeling. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the Queen of Hill stations.The enchanting nature at its full bloom, the enthralling views of the Himalayas, the captivating sight of the cultural diversity and the charming people, all make Darjeeling an exceptional tourist destination.

Location: At the height of 7,000 feet above sea level, in the north of West Bengal, on the footstep of the Himalayas, nestles this small town of Darjeeling. Around 680 km away from the capital of the state Kolkata, Darjeeling shares its borders with all the three neighbouring countries. Nepal is on the west, Bhutan in the north east and Bangladesh is in the south east of Darjeeling. A small portion of Uttar Dinajpur and the neighbouring state of Bihar touches its southern tip. It produces the finest tea in the world with tea industry being the main industry. With 86 tea gardens it produces 25% of the tea output of India.

Languages Spoken: Bengali, English, Bhutia, Nepali, Hindi

Long Distance Code: +91-354

Importance: Hill station

Area: 3149 sqkm

Best Time To Visit September: To June

Darjeeling Attractions:

Ghoom

Ghoom is the last town on the Indo-Nepal frontier in West Bengal and the highest railroad station in the world standing at an altitude of 2,257 meters. Easily approachable Ghoom is the home of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery founded in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyantso for the Yellow Sect of Buddhists. The monastery has a 4.8 meter tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha and also contains images of Buddha''s disciples, Chenrezi and Chongapa. The Buddhist Tibetan gospel, Kangyur, has been preserved here in all its 108 volumes. This monastery is famous for its Tibetan New Year celebrations during February-March, when the monks fly prayer flags in Tibetan tradition and hold religious and folk dances. The Ghoom Rock, offering a magnificent view is the most popular tourist spot.

Mirik

52 km from Siliguri lies the beautiful sleepy little hill resort called Mirik. Located at an altitude of 1,767 meters, surrounded by tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations, Mirik truly is a tourist paradise. It has a small population of about 10,000 people. The climate is pleasant, and the people are welcoming. The 1.25 km. long Sumendu Lake, located at the bottom of the Mirik Spur, is the major tourist attraction in Mirik. A quaint footbridge, 24.4 m. in length, arches over the lake, connecting the flower garden on the eastern bank to the heavily forested ridge on the west. There is a floating fountain in the middle of the lake. Boating and fishing are popular pastimes and on a clear day the magnificent Kanchenjunga reflects its magnitude in its waters. There are many observation points in and around Mirik and the most popular among them is the Dara and Deora point. Another attraction of Mirik is the single day trek taken from Kurseong to Mirik in its most picturesque natural surroundings.

Tiger Hills

Located at 7 km from Darjeeling, at an altitude of 2610 meters, the Tiger Hill offers a magnificent view of the great Mount Kanchenjunga and the other peaks of the Himalayan range including the Mount Everest. A steep gradient road through colourful forests of oak, magnolia and beautiful ferns runs up to the Tiger Hill. To ensure a treasured sight one has to reach this point early at dawn before Sun rise. The spot is superbly developed to give a 360 degree view of the Himalayas. As the Sun rises over the Kanchenjunga one sees the five snow-capped peaks glow in the magic of crimson, pink and shining gold light. If the weather is clear even the great Mount Everest is Visible with Tibet's Chomol Hari Mountain, the most beautiful peak in the world and the Kabru and Janu, peaks which are though visible, actually are dwarfed by the magnificence of the Kanchenjunga, which leaps into view. The Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 m., is the world's third highest peak, and a formidable peak for mountaineers as the climb is considered more hazardous than the Everest. The Kanchenjunga Range derives its name from the Tibetan word, Khang-Chen-Dzod-Nga, meaning Five Treasures in the Snow, a reference to the five snow-capped peaks of this towering mountain range which can be viewed from the Tiger Hill. Although the Kanchenjunga is seen off and on from various places in Darjeeling, the sunrise view from the Tiger Hill takes the cake.

The Toy Train

The ancient locomotive that comes chugging from Siliguri for Darjeeling is the attraction for young and old alike. This miniature railway engine, popularly known as the Toy train, has been doing the rounds from Siliguri to Darjeeling since 1881 and has been included in the world heritage site. It takes six to seven hours to cover a distance of 82 km and with a speed of 10 km per hour it offers a relaxed view to appreciate the abundance of nature on the hills of Darjeeling. Driven by a chugging stream locomotive, the train moves on a narrow, two feet gauge track, passing through the forests, waterfalls, deep valleys and through tunnels to reach Darjeeling.

The idea of this train was conceived in 1870 in order to reduce transit costs and it started operating in 1881.

Soon the landscape changes to reveal tea plantations that cling to the steep mountainside, and form narrow terraces that look like giant steps. The Kanchenjunga appears out of the mist like magic little later. Moving through the many tea gardens, the train reaches Ghoom, the last town on the Indo-Nepal frontier and the highest rail station in the world, situated at 2,257 meters. After Ghoom, the train starts descending towards Darjeeling for 6 km and passes through the Batasia Loop. The Batasia Loop is an engineering marvel where the railway line negotiates a graceful circle and descends 1000 feet almost imperceptibly. Whether riding aboard the Toy Train, or just watching it navigate the loop, the Batasia Loop is a memorable experience. Batasia means Windy Place which offers a grand view of the town of Darjeeling, with the magnificent Kanchenjunga in the background.

The tea Gardens

Darjeeling grows the world famous tea. The exotic tea produced here is known as the Champagne of teas. There are about 86 tea estates in Darjeeling which produce 10 million kg tea every year. The story of Darjeeling tea started some 160 years ago when a civil surgeon, Dr. Campbell planted a few seeds in his garden at an altitude of 7,000 feet. The soil and the weather being conducive to tea growth soon tea gardens became popular and later became the main source of income of Darjeeling. One can visit a tea estate and see all the stages of tea being made, right from plucking to processing it and also can taste the tea and buy it.

The Lloyd Botanical Gardens

Sir Ashley started the Lloyd Botanical Garden to study living specimens from the sub-temperate and temperate Himalayas in 1878 over the 40 acres land donated by Sir Lloyd. Over the years, exotic plants from other parts of the world have also been included turning them into the best gardens of Asia.The garden has charmingly laid-out terraces containing alpine plants, arum lilies, geraniums, azaleas, tree ferns and conifers. There are plant species from Europe, Japan, China, Africa, America, and also from Australia and New Zealand The Orchidarium houses 2,500 plants, including over 50 rare varieties. The cacti and succulents are housed in a separate conservatory, with 150 species on display. The medicinal garden contains indigenous medicinal plants of the Eastern Himalayas. A flower show is held annually during the summer months.

Darjeeling Hotels:

MAYFAIR HILL RESORT

TotalRooms:31

StarCategory:3

The erstwhile summerhouse of Maharaja of Nazargunj is now redesigned in the colonial style as modern resort located just opposite the Governor House. This westward facing resort offers warmth of sunlight to guests throughout the day. Surrounded by fir and pine trees & flowers of different colours, shapes sizes and fragrances, Mayfair Hill Resort nestles at the foot of a hill and overlooks several others.. A stay in this resort is a haven from the maddening crowds.

SINCLAIRS DARJEELING

Total Rooms : 50

Star Category : 3

One of the best hotels in Darjeeling. 50 beautifully appointed rooms & facing the Kanchanjanga.Darjeeling (2134 metres above sea level) is a superlative combination of fern-filled valleys, snow-capped peaks and tea-scented air. A blue toy train on the world's highest railway track chugs through an emerald carpet of tea gardens, passing through a series of dizzying waterfalls and hairpin bends.

THE ELGIN

Total Rooms : 32

Star Category : 3

A heritage property in Darjeeling. hotel provides warm cosy ambience in 32 well equipped rooms all rooms have a fire places and are funished with wooden pine floors and walnut panell

WINDAMERE HOTEL

Total Rooms : 39

Star Category : 4

The Windamere Hotel-situated on the Mall, Darjeeling's beautiful scenic walk, and overlooking the Chowrasta, the town's famous promenade. Hotel has 21 rooms with 5 attic rooms, 6 luxurious double rooms, 10 cottages.

HOTEL VICEROY

Total Rooms : 38

Star Category : 4

A luxury hotel in Darjeeling, India ,Viceroy needs no introduction. Stepping into the warm settings of the hotel,you will immediately feel yourself sucked into the lap of contemporary, understated luxury. It is the best hotel in Darjeeling where you can pamper yourself with the ultimate luxury. The details are in impeccable from its world class service and cuisine to an unrivalled fusion of business services and modern luxuries, from the displays of fine art work to the highly stylized uniforms worn by the staff. The Viceroy is in every sense a fashionable deluxe hotel in Darjeeling and is graded as the best hotel in Darjeeling.

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